Hal Leonard Publishes 'Down The Rhodes: The Fender Rhodes Story'

Down the Rhodes: The Fender Rhodes Story is the first and only book documenting how the Rhodes changed the sound of music and was part of the greatest hits and most influential music ever recorded. Invented by Harold Rhodes as a rehabilitation tool for soldiers in World War II, the Fender Rhodes piano both revolutionized and empowered musicians to explore a new, electric frontier of music.

Through interviews with a remarkable cast of music notables, the book takes an insider's look into how this electric piano has played an integral role in the creation of a wealth of music, from the 1960s through today. Down the Rhodes: The Fender Rhodes Story brings together a large collection of prominent artists to talk about their music and experiences with the Fender Rhodes: Michael Bearden, George Benson, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, D'Angelo, Eumir Deodato, George Duke, Larry Dunn, Donald Fagen, Ronnie Foster, Rodney Franklin, Robert Glasper, Jay Graydon, Dave Grusin, Don Grusin, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Ellis Hall, Herbie Hancock, Lalah Hathaway, Rami Jaffee, Bob James, Quincy Jones, Ramsey Lewis, Jeff Lorber, Robin Lumley, Ray Manzarek, Les McCann, Marcus Miller, Steve Molitz, John Novello, David Paich, Jerry Peters, Greg Phillinganes, James Poyser, Patrice Rushen, Joe Sample, Lenny White, Maurice White, Vince Wilburn Jr., Allee Willis, the CBS musical instruments staff, and others.

A Blu-ray of the documentary film about the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano, on which Down the Rhodes is based, is included with each book. Readers can enjoy rare moments with some of the greatest artists of all times and learn how the Rhodes inspired their music.

The modern-day revival of the instrument’s popularity, the intimate stories, and the never-before-seen photographs of artists and pianos make this book a must-have for anyone interested in keyboards, piano and music history. A special Limited Edition is presented in a beautiful leather case, Down the Rhodes is a definite collector’s item and a wonderful gift. More information at www.HalLeonardBooks.com - including video samples of the movie.

About the authorsGerald McCauley is from Los Angeles and has an extensive production career, working with many prominent artists and songwriters in the music industry. He worked as A&R Director for Monster Music, where his projects included 3 Doors Down’s concert DVD The Better Life (Rarities Edition), and served as A&R/Production Consultant for the Grammy Award-winning George Benson/Al Jarreau album Givin’ It Up. His debut release, The McCauley Sessions, and his CD/DVD Gerald McCauley’s West Coast All-Stars Live Sessions have become favorites among music lovers worldwide.

Benjamin Bove lives in Los Angeles and is a pianist and television music composer, and the Fender Rhodes piano is essential to his sound. Exposed to the Rhodes at the age of 14, Bove became a resident expert over the next decade, restoring and custom building Fender Rhodes pianos. As a graduate from the State University of New York at Buffalo, he worked in production for E! Entertainment and drew on his experience to produce Down the Rhodes: The Fender Rhodes Story. Currently working on his debut record, Bove is being lauded as a young force to watch in a new generation of Rhodes pianists.